Windows in the Debating Chamber

After enduring years of exposure to the elements, the Victorian stained-glass windows in the Debating Chamber have been given a new lease of life, following the completion of the second phase of renovations in summer 2024. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1878, the Grade II*-listed Debating Chamber has long been admired for its architectural significance. However, by the early 2000s, many of its stained-glass windows—spanning styles from Victorian to early Art Nouveau—were severely deformed, with cracks in the glass despite some re-leading work carried out in 1993.

The recent renovation was expertly undertaken by Ark Stained Glass, specialists in the design, manufacture, conservation, and restoration of stained glass for commercial, domestic, and ecclesiastical settings. Louise Hemmings, who supervised the project, explained:
“All frames on the court elevation (overlooking the OUS garden) were either non-operational or had significant issues. Ark restored all the frames in-house, preserving the original materials wherever possible and only replacing lost elements. Each actuator handle and top armature was stripped of multiple layers of paint, then repainted, with all original brass parts polished and their functionality thoroughly checked and corrected.”

Some panels were in such poor condition that they had to be removed entirely and taken to the studio for restoration, with temporary replacements installed in their place.
“For those panels requiring studio work, we made rubbings of each one, annotated with detailed notes on size, glass type, and lead profiles,” Hemmings explained. “Where the lead had deteriorated to the point of risking damage to the original glass, it was removed and replaced with new lead made to match the original profile. All original glass was carefully cleaned using conservation methods, and any replacement glass was sourced to match the original as closely as possible.”

On-site cleaning was also performed using conservation-approved techniques under the supervision of Ark’s in-house conservation specialist. The meticulous cleaning process has brought the vivid reds and pinks of the glass back to life. Hemmings added:
“I found it fascinating to work with the various glass types, some of which haven’t been produced in over 50 years. Recreating the intricate interlacing of the lead was a joy and a privilege during the rebuilds.”

Today, all but one of the windows on the Oxford Union court elevation have been fully restored. The remaining work involves restoring the windows on the elevation facing Brasenose College, situated at the rear of the Chamber behind the President’s seat. Completing this phase will require scaffolding (with Brasenose’s cooperation), and the estimated cost is £50,000 + VAT.

To support the final stage of this historic restoration, donations can be made during the Oxford Union’s inaugural Giving Day at the end of March 2025.

The before....

And the after...